You have no idea how pleased I am that my doctorate in epidemiology can finally be used for knitting purposes, as I convert a vest pattern for my lovely lady 😀
Actually math is very useful. Even in ordinary life tasks (cooking comes to mind but other household tasks can involve math and many hobbies do) as well as in engineering projects and in science in general.
This is over a year after the video was posted. I just want to thank you for posting this. I could actually understand what you were saying AND I believe I can do this! Blessings. Happy Holiday.
This video was so helpful ! I have a sweater i want to knit but wanted to do it in another yarn and this solved my issue. So i am using a 2 fine with a pattern that called for worsted so now I know how to use the yarn I want. Thank you for taking the time to explaining all this. Please don't ever delete this video I think it will help so many people, especially new knitters.
This is so helpful. I am 3 different sizes according to every knitting pattern I ever tried. So I am not afraid of math. I saw a sweater, no pattern. It did not fit. I am going to make it using my favorite pattern as a base and sub light worsted for dk. I will add color work and shaping. I think $40 in yarn vs $450 for the commercial sweater is worth the effort.
Best of luck! Keep in mind that colorwork will typically produce a tighter gauge than stockinette, so if you are going to swatch, swatch the colorwork not just stockinette.
OMG! Finally!🎉👍🙏 I have been looking for a video to explain this to me for so long, and I finally came upon yours today and I’m so so happy!💯😊 I can’t believe how many RUclips videos I watched about yarn substitution- & none of them answered the question that you just did in this video! Thank you so much for this video. Thank you! Thank you thank you!
Well, it's a pretty complicated subject and for me it's not really worth the time and effort LOL But if you want to do it you can go for it! I'd love to hear how it works out.
This was really great, thanks! You're very clear and obviously know what you're talking about. I'm making a bulky weight yarn poncho pattern with dk and I think it'll work now!
So glad I found your video. I haven't been able to find a video that talks about this for crochet, but this doesn't seem to be specific to knitting, so gonna try this.
THANK YOU. I'm going to crochet a blanket pattern that calls for 6wt and i want to use a 4wt yarn. I had to watch your video a couple times, with my gauge and calculator handy and IT WORKED OUT! I now know how to adjust the pattern, I'm excited to get started now. I searched and searched, you are the only one who TRULY explained the match, thanks again. 😊
@@WatchBarbaraKnit Well, I have a degree in math so I have no problem with math calculations in my hobbies such as knitting, sewing, crocheting, and quilting. I convert quilt patterns that are composed of geometric shapes from original size to whatever size I need for my project. For instance, I reduced one pattern to make a pot holder of tiny pieces, hand sewn. It came out great. I can convert size of pieces for any desired size of finished pieced object. So that is a big plus for me resizing pieced quilt tops.
Thank you SO MUCH for this video!! There were so many tips in here that I didn’t even expect or know about. I’ve been teaching myself to knit over the course of the past year & there are so many details like these that would just be impossible to know without people like you. Much appreciated 🥰💜
I'm so glad it helped you. You might want to look at some of my other videos. I try my best to hit subjects that often go unspoken and assumed in knitting.
Great video!!!! You actually explained it in words what I painstakingly learned on my own. Calculating those numbers. I used fingering and doubled it to DK. The foxtrot cardigan turned out beautifully. I had a bunch of fingering weight yarn and the pattern called for DK. And it did take a lot of math. You're awesome! And brilliant.
Definitely a very informative video. The exitement then starts when I really get into substituting yarns. I also find it helps me to do a schematic of what I want to knit like you did with your example. It helps me not to overlook any of those crucial caculation. Great video for a complicated topic. And yes great top. It also colour co-ordinates with the scarf on your silent partner.
Thank you so much for doing all the math. I know that's not your favorite thing to do. But this does make a lot of sense and it's very helpful. Thanks Barbara.
What a perfect explanation!! I have a 12ply pattern that I want to knit but I only have 10ply wool. This video has given me the confidence to go ahead and give it a try. Thx heaps.
"swatches are for wussies!" LOL!!!! I couldn't resist....I read that posted somewhere and couldn't stop laughing. Excellent tutorial....thanks Barbara! I needed this video 3 yrs ago when I substituted the fiber for my husband's sweater. Worked out great until I reached the division for the raglan sleeves (too small:(. I had to do some calculation at that point to correct the problem to avoid raveling what I had already finished:) Final result was great, but now I always do the calculations for the entire sweater whenever I sub fibers. Great vid, great tips....you always wear such pretty tops!:)
Thank you for the explanation! I have a worsted weight cable sweater pattern I really want to make, but only bulky weight yarn in my stash. It'll take a whole lot of math to figure out, but I think it'll work out in the end!
I am a new subscriber and absolutely love this video. I am trying to knit socks that are in fingering weight but I want to use DK yarn. I so needed this tutorial. Thank you so much ❤
Thank you I am excited to make hundreds of swatches of rounds. I have never knitted before, but thanks to you I found the perfect starting place for my beanie designs. Barbara and any one else, If you are interested in my studies I can link youto my workshop website where I will place information eventually. Thank you so much!
Thank you for your informative tutorial. I am doing the swatch now and I will revisit after I have got gauge. I would like to knit a Sweater that is for DK weight yarn but I would like to use Sport weight yarn. We shall see what happens. Thank you for your help.
Thank you so much for this helpful tutorial Barbara x I have often wanted to change the yarn for a pattern because I have enough in one weight in my stash but the pattern I like is in another You have saved me (and my purse) so much Even my Hubster will be happy that I will be using yarn from my stash and not buying more :) Thanks again I wish you well xx
Thankyou Barbara. After reading the comments from many obviously experienced knitters, I think my question may seem very basic. I wish to knit a Sport weight pattern in a DK weight yarn. So do I knit my swatch on the size needles listed on the DK ball band? Or on needles that give me the gauge stated in the pattern (for Sport)? I'm sorry for such a basic question but would appreciate your help. Thankyou kindly.
You would need to figure out the needle size that gives you the gauge stated on the pattern. But you might change the nature of the fabric and your yarn usage might be different.
This video helped so much. I want to work on a cardigan called Folklore Cardigan where there are two versions of a certain singer's cardigan. I like lace weight and the pattern is in DK (the paid version). I think I may have to redo the pattern but I love smaller stitches and the look of machine knitted. I appreciate this a lot!
I think I would consider myself an intermediate knitter...depending on what type of knitting I'm doing. I >just< finished a shawl that is lace knitting and in this genre I am a rank novice! But I saw a picture of this pattern...gasped...had to "be still my heart"...searched for THE right yarn/color for a few months...purchased it and could NOT wait to get started. I determined to take it slow so that I did it right. ...got about 20 rows in and realized I'd not done something right...ripped it all out. Fixed whatever the issue was and it was looking really good. (whew!) Took me a few weeks to get 'er done...and it's not as big as I wanted. This morning I pulled up the full pattern...and figured out the size I was wanting was for Aran weight...I used DK weight cotton. (face palm!) I googled and found you video! THANK YOU! It's also made me think: this pattern is done in repeated patterns of 12 stitches. So...right now at this point in time...I am seriously thinking of getting my finished project (that's going to be my swatch)...figuring my stitches per inch ...and then figuring everything from what the pattern states is stitches per inch for the Aran weight. But also ... I'll have to take into account the 12 stitch repeated pattern: cast on will have to allow for that, as well. If I can figure all this...then I'm most likely going to rip out the entire shawl...and do it...again. The shawl is, indeed beautiful...but not what I wanted. The pattern took my breath away...so it's just gotta be done right. My usual M.O. is ..."Meh...it'll do." But I'm trying to get out of that and make what >I< want...and do it right. YOU, my dear lady...have just helped me immensely! Again, thank you for seeing the need and filling it. ...by the way, count me as a New Subscriber! Love and blessings to you, M'am. Edit: the pattern of which I'm speaking is "Wings for Nightbird" and it is on Ravelry as a free pattern.
As always, truly excellent video! Question: when substituting the yarn, should I use the recommended knitting needle size in the pattern or the suggested knitting needle size for the yarn I am substituting? Before I can knit the gauge swatch, I need to know which needle size I should use, to achieve gauge. Therefore, if I am going from worsted yarn weight (which the pattern calls for) to DK weight, should I use the needle size recommended in the pattern or the recommended sizer the DK weight yarn label suggests? Thank you very much 🤗🧶
I think that this video might help you: ruclips.net/video/6Af5G07iok4/видео.html But the short answer is that you need to use whatever needle size that gets you a fabric that you like. If you are changing the yarn size then you will be changing the gauge.
Well, a light bulb just went off in my head. There are so many patterns for shrugs. I was so fixated on this particular pattern, that I didn't think about looking at other shrug patterns which do use the yarn that I have in mind which is worsted Aaron wool yarn weight 4. So I jumped into Ravelry and started looking. Lo and behold, I found one! It's a bit different from the one I had in mind, but it's just as nice.( I will still do a swatch of course!) So don't worry about replying to my question.☺☺
I'm glad you got it sorted. When faced with either doing all of the math myself and just finding a different pattern I always go for a different pattern LOL.
I was thinking of using a heavier yarn and larger needles and just knitting a medium when I would normally knit the large. I do this when crocheting slippers and it works. Curious to trying with a grament.
I have a pattern (cardigan) for #4 worsted and 11mm/8 needles. Love the pattern, just too airy for my liking. I'm assuming I can use this same theory to adjust the needle size as well. Going to give this a try , Thank You so much!!
My high school chemistry teacher taught us to figure out fractions by units: sts/in x in = sts, for example. This fractions trick has been one of the most useful things I ever learned! And here we are again. THANK YOU for this video!
This is amazing thank you so much for the info. I am new to knitting and I am trying to knit my first sweater but I do not have the yarn that the pattern cost for so I really wanted to know if I can just do a DK Tupe of yarn or find something similar and this really helped out. Thank you so much cannot wait to do my first sweater.
Thank you for all of your help! I need a little more help with yarn substitution for a hat that calls for a chunky yarn but I want to use a Lion Wool-Ease, which is a bulky weight yarn. Can you offer some additional advice? Please and thank-you. Janice D.
You have good timing, cuz I was trying that this week. Lol! So Thanks for the information. Btw I like your blouse, its pretty and that color looks good on you.
Thank you so much for this, Barbara! Is there any way to figure the change in yardage that a weight change would create? Or best to do the swatch, figure the yardage of the swatch, and multiply it back out for the whole piece? Thanks!!
You got it! It all comes back to math. Some people use geometry to calculate the total surface area of the piece and use the yarn usage from the swatch to math that out. I am not much on geometry so I calculate the number of stitches per gram I get in my swatch and then the number of stitches in the final project, divide the total stitches by stitches per gram to get the total grammage I need for the project. There are many ways to get to the solution.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit you can use a kitchen scale to weigh the grams in the swatch you make. And determine the grams per square inch which with the number of square inches in the knitted project and grams for the project in the original yarn can be used to compute grams needed in the new yarn.
I’m so happy I finally found this video! Once you explained it so clearly it made so much sense. I’m going to try converting a simple sweater pattern from worsted to DK!! 😁 Thanks so much for making this!!
Thank you. Most yarn substitution-how-to videos only discuss the same yarn weight. A project I'm doing required Sport Yarn but I only have Sock/Fingering Yarn and I'm going insane because that glove is something that's gonna be used for the body so it needs to be accurate😅😄 I just figured maybe I'll judt add 2 more stitches
I get too hot in knitted items that are thick so I prefer to use fingering yarns. I re-figured a cable top from DK / sport weight yarn to fingering. I had to double the number of cable repeats across the top half of the back and fronts. I also changed the needle size down to 1.5 from a US#3 when I got to the cables. This whole process involved a lot of frogging but I am almost done and very happy with the results so far. I should join your facebook page so I can show pictures.
Thank you, loved your tutorial 🧶. I’m definitely not up to figuring all this math🤪. I’ll use what is designed for the pattern. But it’s all good information, thank you for explaining it. 💓
Wonderful video! I understand the math with adjusting gauge. My question, the pattern I want to do calls for 2376yds worsted weight, the yarn I want to use is chunky, which I have 1040yds. Before I do all conversion math for gauge. How can I calculate if I have enough chunky yarn?
Hi Barbara, Thank you so very very much for this tutorial and education on substituting yarn - something that I always have to do since I can't always buy the same yarn recommended in the pattern. Your video is so helpful and necessary for a good outcome! I instantly "liked", "shared" and "subscribed" (LSS) to your channel.... thank you once again. Looking forward to more videos from you.🥰
Dear Barbara, Thank you so much for your work. I have a pattern I love that calls for lace + light fingering held together = fingering. I would like to use the yarn lace + fingering = something similar to DK. I get gauge when I use the needles recommended. However, the fabric is too dense for me, and I prefer the looseness going up. 5 in needle size. Question: Is it possible to just knit a small size with the bigger needles and hope for the best? This a positive ease oversize pattern.
Is it possible? Anything is possible. Are you just hoping for the best, yes. It may or may not work. One good thing about sweaters is that you can frequently try them on as you go and get a good idea if it's working. But it is a "living on the edge" sort of approach.
Super interesting video, even though I'm not so adventurous to try it! However, I do the reverse for Japanese patterns! :) I'm larger than the "standard" Japanese lady, so I need to adjust the patterns. Thankfully, they rarely have shaping and it's quite easy to do, but I realized that it's much easier to actually find a yarn that will allow me to knit the same number of stitches as the pattern says, but get a size that fits me. So, say, the pattern would give me a sweater that's 80 cm of bust with 130 stitches, and I need 100 cm of bust, I do the math to find how many stitches per 10 cm I need to knit so that 130 stitches gives me 100 cm. And I find a yarn that fits that swatch - and just follow the pattern as is!
Thank you so much for sharing this video. If I double a lace yarn will it be a fingering weight? And if I have a yarn of acrilic blend with cotton and merino yarn can I make a sweater in it?
i can tell im about to keep this open, stab at it on my own, wish i had stayed with the video and taken your wise advice. i feel it in my bones. be right back
@@WatchBarbaraKnit thankyou!! it went (is going) pretty alright since the yarn isn't SUPER different (just one size bigger). I kept your video open for reference just incase and it was super helpful!! thankyou so much
Absolutely brilliant information. Knitted a lovely toque for my daughter in law and it was too big. Of course the yarn she then chose for a new hat had no relation to the pattern. It was a bulky yarn, lovey Lambs Pride from my stash but the pattern is worsted. Because of your instructions I am well on the way to a successful gift. I have subscribed and look forward to learning more from your clear and helpful videos. Wishing you success and health and safety in the coming year. 🤗 fromCanada.
Hello I am from Canada as well and I am trying to knit an item for my grandson the pattern calls for a slightly lighter weight yarn than what I want to use and I am wondering how to make the adjustments. Barbra's video was helpful but I am still stuck a bit. I want to make a hat and I am not sure how to make the changes. Janice D.
Hi Janice, I suggest you buy Ann Budd’s book “The Knitters Handy Book of Patterns” it gives you patterns with numerous options. Look it up. Perhaps it’s in your local library. Cost about $30.00 but an investment. On the front of the book it shows hats, gloves etc. she also has a sweater book of different sizes etc and a sock knitting book. 💛💛
I’m going to convert from a chunky to a dk. I don’t want to double the yarn because it will affect the print. It’s a child size drop sleeve pullover with no shaping other than the arm decreases and neck shaping and a hood. Wish me luck!
I've done the math and managed to change a pattern for my new weight.. what I find I am not sure on doing is looking at my stash and not wanting to resort to guessing whether i will have enough... its probably a math/swatch formula.. but I'm a hands on learner and if you have a formula I can run with it. thank you, will look for you on Ravelry too.
Excellent explanation - especially on working a sweater - and all the various dimensions and changes that have to be made. Thank you! Seems easier to find the closest yarn in my book :-D
Hi Barbara Can I knit a teddy bear in 100 Peruvian wool and the clothes in a 50 Alpaca and 50 Suri wool the guages are the same but I need more drape on the clothes than the Bear will it work?
Are you using the same size needle the pattern calls for with the lighter weight yarn? I’m going from super bulky to bulky. It’s an Afghan so I’m thinking it’s not tragic but… your explanation was so easy!!
This may be a stupid question, but can i just knit the next size up. For example: if the pattern is for worsted weight and i want to use DK, can i just knit the next size up?
You are so smart! Enjoyed trying to follow you and take notes!! Made a simple sweater pattern with 7 balls of 50 gram/109 yds of "DK" yarn, totaling 763 yards Wanted to make same sweater in "Lace" yarn that was 50 gram/459 yds. After doing swatch with the Lace, I found using 5 strands together of lace equaled the 2 strands of DK But I bought way too much lace. (8 skeins) I did some math, but I'm not sure. 763 yds with 2 strands of DK or 381 yds with 1 strand of DK With 5 strands of Lace, 381 yds x 5 strands = 1,905 yds. So 1,905 yds. divided by 459 yds = 4.15 skeins. or 5 skeins Does this sound right? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you! How would I substitute different weight yarns for a crocheting pattern? I have a crochet cardigan pattern that calls for a 5 weight. I want to use a 4 weight. Thank you in advance.
I am afraid that I do not crochet so I cannot give you an educated response to this question. My guess would be that the process would be very similar with knitting a gauge swatch and doing the math.
Excellent explanation. My question is slightly different. Let's suppose I need 1300 yards of fingering weight for a shawl but plan on using a sport weight yarn. How do I determine how many yards of yarn I need??
I'm afraid that answer is just as complicated LOL. It is entirely based on the gauge you get with your new yarn and needle. Really, the process is very similar as in this video. I have typed and deleted instructions three times now. It really is too complicated to explain in comments but it would involve lots of swatching, weighing of yarn, and math.
Thank you for taking the time to respond. I was always in advanced placement in math through all of my schooling, never realizing how much I would need to use if for knitting!!! Of course, I was hoping for an easy answer, but that is OK--I get it. Thank you again.
Explained very well. A lightblub went off for me!! Love your videos! 💓 Do you have any idea if I use thiner or thicker yarn how I can estimate the amount of yardage I would need? 💓 Thanks,,,,Vicki
Thank you so much! I was able to use your video to adjust my gauge for a sweater I’ve been wanting to make! The pattern I’m using is decreasing stitches when making the collar so I’m wondering how would I calculate the number of stitches to knit/decrease for the collar with a new yarn weight?
I'm afraid you are getting into the realm of redesigning and it is beyond my ability to help. I don't design garments and anything I suggested would be my best guess LOL.
What if I use a higher mm needle with three strands of fingering yarn (3ply) like no.7 to get equal to the no 9 (13mm) needle for the chunky yarn 'throw' pattern. Of course I would do the swatch given: 15 stitches and 14 rows per 4" square? Do you think it might work?. Please respond ASAP.
Very good video. True, a bit complicated but worth it, if you’re game! And I never knew 2 strands of fingering is DK weight! Go figure! Where have I been for the past 5 years I’ve been knitting? Thank you for this. 😊
I get adjusting the pattern especially if clothing. Can you also change needle size instead of add changing stitches?? Worsted to thick, would you go to a bigger Needle and the afghan would just be a little bigger..
Can you? Yes. Will you have a predictable result? Probably not. If you use the weight yarn that the pattern calls for and simply increase the needle size you will change the nature of the fabric and it might not be what you were looking for. Something like an afghan that you want to be warm would morph into something that was more holey and lacy. It would also change your yarn consumption so the yardage listed on the pattern would be useless.
Very good, clear, and logical explanation. I was especially interested in the comparison of yarn weights, i.e., fingering doubled equals DK. I am making a classic (simple) cardigan in a wonderful, hand-painted Canadian fingering yarn. The only suitable pattern I could find is in sport weight yarn. I can do this process you described (carefully), but -- a customer service rep at Purl Soho told me I could simply use a larger size pattern (I am small). Is there any possibility it could be this simple?
I'm afraid I would need a bit more info. Did they tell you to simply knit the pattern with fingering weight yarn using a needle appropriate to the fingering weight, or using the needle called for in the pattern? If you knit fingering to a sport gauge it is going to be very open and might look lacy. If you adjust the needle size to get a cardigan density fabric in fingering, then your gauge will be substantially different. Is it possible to simply knit the next size up and have it fit? Yes it is possible. Can I predict if it will work? No, I cannot. Is that a common piece of advice given to knitters? Yep, sure is! Does it work sometimes? It totally works sometimes. Are there knitters who tried it and ended up knitting a whole sweater that doesn't fit them? Yep, that happens too. What you can do is create your gauge swatch with your fingering weight yarn and figure out your stitches per inch. Then take look at the information for the next size up and see what the stitch counts are in important areas like the bust and such. Take your gauge and do the math based on the number of stitches/rows in the pattern and then see what the new measurements would be. That should give you an idea if it will work.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit To be honest, I was not that confident in the advice I got because I don't think the person who passed it on was that knowledgable. But he got it from one of the experienced knitters there. I was planning to knit a gauge swatch (which I never ever do), and I'm okay with the knit being more open than sport yarn on size 5, although I'm planning to probably use size 3 (my favorite size!) but also produces a very nice fabric with fingering yarn. I mean, fingering yarn isn't going to produce a heavy sweater. I know it will be lighter and probably drapey as well. I got the idea while winding the yarn, which I bought with no particular purpose in mind. While I was winding I could see the sweater taking shape in my mind's eye, and I'm convinced it will be lovely. And btw, isn't winding yarn into balls a great way to get to know it? So, I figure if I knit one front piece first, measuring as I go, that should give me a pretty good idea if it's going to work out before I just jump in over my head and knit the whole thing. Thank you for your very thoughtful answer.
Great informative video. Is the process easier if I want to use only one strand of yarn instead of holding 2 together. I can't do a gauge swatch as I don't yet have the yarn. Is it as simple as two lighter weight yarns equals one heavier weight yarn?
Hi Barbara I wanted to get your take on something since you are an experienced knitter. I love the look and drape of knit sweaters that are knitted in fingering or sport weight yarns, however some of the sweater patterns I want to try out uses DK weight yarn. I wear a size 'small', if I knit a size 'medium' in fingering weight yarn would the sweater become smaller (closer to a size 'small'), or would the shaping of the sweater become distorted and unwearable? I know this is a bit of a weird question but I would love your opinion on it.
Sooo, this video pretty much contains my opinion on that. Your gauge will be completely different and it might throw all of the measurements off in wonky ways. Or it might work. Who knows? I personally wouldn't invest the time in knitting a sweater on the off chance it might fit.
Hi can you help me with this case I need to knit a stockinette stitch for a beanie that I have light/ DK weight yarn and 4mm needles and the pattern call for worsted weight yarn and 5.5mm needles not sure how many stitches should I cast on hope you can help thank you Gloria
All of the assistance I can provide is in this video. It depends entirely on your personal gauge. Your best bet would be to find a pattern designed for your yarn weight.
Would using a heavier yarn but following pattern exactly result in a larger finished size? Thinking specifically about baby sweaters... if pattern calls for fingering for 3 -6 mo size, but you use worsted and make no pattern modifications - would you just end up with a larger sized sweater? Or will the proportions be off? TIA!
So the answer to that question is a solid Maybe? It would definitely make a bigger garment (you'd have to go up in needle size as well). The problem is that grading doesn't really work that way. You don't want every aspect of the garment to change equally. The difference between the sizes of the circumference of the chest might be 2 inches but the neck doesn't grow at the same rate. Sleeves might get longer with each size but the depth of the armscye isn't going to grow as fast or else you'd have the armpit starting at the waist. So I'm not going to say yes and have you do it and it not work and you be cranky at me LOL. But it might work?
MATH: Lol I suffer with dyscalculia. So I just wing it. A hat will fit someone along the line. Love you & your channel. You have some good content and you are not stuck up or stuffy like some on here. Take Care x
So glad I found your site today. Have been spending a lot of retirement time trying to figure this out. I had found you once before - now I am subscribed! Your channel will help me save a LOT of time from now on and I can do more knitting than researching on my own. Yippee!
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You have no idea how pleased I am that my doctorate in epidemiology can finally be used for knitting purposes, as I convert a vest pattern for my lovely lady 😀
LOL, it really does feel like it takes an advanced degree to do some of this math. Have fun!
Yes Barbara my brain does hurt, but you are the best teacher who explains perfectly. Thankyou very much for this video.
Thank you so much. Good luck if you are giving it a shot!
This is why knitting is good for your brain! Such a clear explanation of a complex topic. Thank you 😊
Glad it was helpful!
You have a pleasant voice and speak to your viewers not at us. Thank You!
Thank you so much for this uplifting comment.
And this is why we need to know math. Thank you for the thorough explanation.
SO MUCH MATH LOL
Actually math is very useful. Even in ordinary life tasks (cooking comes to mind but other household tasks can involve math and many hobbies do) as well as in engineering projects and in science in general.
This is over a year after the video was posted. I just want to thank you for posting this. I could actually understand what you were saying AND I believe I can do this! Blessings. Happy Holiday.
Glad it helped! You can totally do it!
Bless you for this in depth explanation! lol. You deserve a medal! I usually just guess and experiment to see what I like.
Living dangerously is fun in it's own way, but I am a control freak LOL.
This video was so helpful ! I have a sweater i want to knit but wanted to do it in another yarn and this solved my issue. So i am using a 2 fine with a pattern that called for worsted so now I know how to use the yarn I want. Thank you for taking the time to explaining all this. Please don't ever delete this video I think it will help so many people, especially new knitters.
I am glad you liked the video. Good luck with all of the MATH! ;)
This is so helpful. I am 3 different sizes according to every knitting pattern I ever tried. So I am not afraid of math. I saw a sweater, no pattern. It did not fit. I am going to make it using my favorite pattern as a base and sub light worsted for dk. I will add color work and shaping. I think $40 in yarn vs $450 for the commercial sweater is worth the effort.
Best of luck! Keep in mind that colorwork will typically produce a tighter gauge than stockinette, so if you are going to swatch, swatch the colorwork not just stockinette.
OMG! Finally!🎉👍🙏 I have been looking for a video to explain this to me for so long, and I finally came upon yours today and I’m so so happy!💯😊 I can’t believe how many RUclips videos I watched about yarn substitution- & none of them answered the question that you just did in this video! Thank you so much for this video. Thank you! Thank you thank you!
Well, it's a pretty complicated subject and for me it's not really worth the time and effort LOL But if you want to do it you can go for it! I'd love to hear how it works out.
Thank you! It has been hard to find someone to explain this is a straight forward manner.
It's a super confusing process LOL
This was so helpful! I'm trying to substitute from a pattern calling for super bulky down to Super Merino. I feel like I can actually do this!
This was really great, thanks! You're very clear and obviously know what you're talking about. I'm making a bulky weight yarn poncho pattern with dk and I think it'll work now!
Best of luck! Attack with confidence and it'll go great.
So glad I found your video. I haven't been able to find a video that talks about this for crochet, but this doesn't seem to be specific to knitting, so gonna try this.
I am on shaky ground when it comes to crochet, but I think that the concepts should translate at least some. Good luck!
this video CALLED to me and everything youre saying is music to my ears i love you ❤
Have fun with your MATH!
THANK YOU. I'm going to crochet a blanket pattern that calls for 6wt and i want to use a 4wt yarn. I had to watch your video a couple times, with my gauge and calculator handy and IT WORKED OUT! I now know how to adjust the pattern, I'm excited to get started now. I searched and searched, you are the only one who TRULY explained the match, thanks again. 😊
I am so excited what I was saying worked for crochet as well!
This is a very clear video on how to do this.
I am so glad it was helpful.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit Well, I have a degree in math so I have no problem with math calculations in my hobbies such as knitting, sewing, crocheting, and quilting.
I convert quilt patterns that are composed of geometric shapes from original size to whatever size I need for my project. For instance, I reduced one pattern to make a pot holder of tiny pieces, hand sewn. It came out great.
I can convert size of pieces for any desired size of finished pieced object. So that is a big plus for me resizing pieced quilt tops.
Clearest description I’ve found, many thanks.
Glad it helped!
Thank you SO MUCH for this video!! There were so many tips in here that I didn’t even expect or know about. I’ve been teaching myself to knit over the course of the past year & there are so many details like these that would just be impossible to know without people like you. Much appreciated 🥰💜
I'm so glad it helped you. You might want to look at some of my other videos. I try my best to hit subjects that often go unspoken and assumed in knitting.
Great video!!!! You actually explained it in words what I painstakingly learned on my own. Calculating those numbers. I used fingering and doubled it to DK. The foxtrot cardigan turned out beautifully. I had a bunch of fingering weight yarn and the pattern called for DK. And it did take a lot of math. You're awesome! And brilliant.
I'm so glad to have confirmation. Sometimes I worry that my experience might be unique LOL. I'm so glad you had a successful project!
Definitely a very informative video. The exitement then starts when I really get into substituting yarns. I also find it helps me to do a schematic of what I want to knit like you did with your example. It helps me not to overlook any of those crucial caculation. Great video for a complicated topic.
And yes great top. It also colour co-ordinates with the scarf on your silent partner.
Yes, drawing it all out would help a lot!
Thank you so much for this video Barbara
Oh! It's so good to see you in a bright color again!
It's so hot in the Summer I have to wear light colors LOL.
As complicated as this sounds it was exactly what I needed. Thank you so very much.
I'm so glad it was helpful. It's the kind of thing that takes a bit to wrap your brain around!
Thank you so much for doing all the math. I know that's not your favorite thing to do. But this does make a lot of sense and it's very helpful. Thanks Barbara.
It was baby math - no way I could fit a sweater into a 15 min video LOL.
What a perfect explanation!! I have a 12ply pattern that I want to knit but I only have 10ply wool. This video has given me the confidence to go ahead and give it a try. Thx heaps.
Glad it was helpful!
I am considering doing a shawl in DK that calls for fingering weight. This is exactly what I needed! You explain things so clearly! Thank you. 😁💚🧶
Yay! You can also simply knit with two strands of fingering weight held together because fingering x 2 = DK.
"swatches are for wussies!" LOL!!!! I couldn't resist....I read that posted somewhere and couldn't stop laughing. Excellent tutorial....thanks Barbara! I needed this video 3 yrs ago when I substituted the fiber for my husband's sweater. Worked out great until I reached the division for the raglan sleeves (too small:(. I had to do some calculation at that point to correct the problem to avoid raveling what I had already finished:) Final result was great, but now I always do the calculations for the entire sweater whenever I sub fibers. Great vid, great tips....you always wear such pretty tops!:)
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you!
Thank you for the explanation! I have a worsted weight cable sweater pattern I really want to make, but only bulky weight yarn in my stash. It'll take a whole lot of math to figure out, but I think it'll work out in the end!
You can do it!
I am a new subscriber and absolutely love this video. I am trying to knit socks that are in fingering weight but I want to use DK yarn. I so needed this tutorial. Thank you so much ❤
Best of luck with that and have fun!
Thank you I am excited to make hundreds of swatches of rounds. I have never knitted before, but thanks to you I found the perfect starting place for my beanie designs. Barbara and any one else, If you are interested in my studies I can link youto my workshop website where I will place information eventually. Thank you so much!
Have a ton of fun!
Your voice is so pleasant and soothing.
Thank you so much for that sentiment. I have a hard time listening to myself, but doesn't everyone?
Thank you for your informative tutorial. I am doing the swatch now and I will revisit after I have got gauge. I would like to knit a Sweater that is for DK weight yarn but I would like to use Sport weight yarn. We shall see what happens. Thank you for your help.
You can do it! The difference between sport and dk isn't that much.
Thank you so much for this helpful tutorial Barbara x I have often wanted to change the yarn for a pattern because I have enough in one weight in my stash but the pattern I like is in another You have saved me (and my purse) so much Even my Hubster will be happy that I will be using yarn from my stash and not buying more :) Thanks again I wish you well xx
Have fun making it work for you!
Thankyou Barbara. After reading the comments from many obviously experienced knitters, I think my question may seem very basic. I wish to knit a Sport weight pattern in a DK weight yarn. So do I knit my swatch on the size needles listed on the DK ball band? Or on needles that give me the gauge stated in the pattern (for Sport)? I'm sorry for such a basic question but would appreciate your help. Thankyou kindly.
You would need to figure out the needle size that gives you the gauge stated on the pattern. But you might change the nature of the fabric and your yarn usage might be different.
Great job explaining. God bless you. It all made sense and I can now appreciate the difficulty of this concept. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
This video helped so much. I want to work on a cardigan called Folklore Cardigan where there are two versions of a certain singer's cardigan. I like lace weight and the pattern is in DK (the paid version). I think I may have to redo the pattern but I love smaller stitches and the look of machine knitted. I appreciate this a lot!
That is going to be a huge shift! Best of luck.
I think I would consider myself an intermediate knitter...depending on what type of knitting I'm doing. I >just< finished a shawl that is lace knitting and in this genre I am a rank novice! But I saw a picture of this pattern...gasped...had to "be still my heart"...searched for THE right yarn/color for a few months...purchased it and could NOT wait to get started. I determined to take it slow so that I did it right. ...got about 20 rows in and realized I'd not done something right...ripped it all out. Fixed whatever the issue was and it was looking really good. (whew!) Took me a few weeks to get 'er done...and it's not as big as I wanted. This morning I pulled up the full pattern...and figured out the size I was wanting was for Aran weight...I used DK weight cotton. (face palm!) I googled and found you video! THANK YOU! It's also made me think: this pattern is done in repeated patterns of 12 stitches. So...right now at this point in time...I am seriously thinking of getting my finished project (that's going to be my swatch)...figuring my stitches per inch ...and then figuring everything from what the pattern states is stitches per inch for the Aran weight. But also ... I'll have to take into account the 12 stitch repeated pattern: cast on will have to allow for that, as well. If I can figure all this...then I'm most likely going to rip out the entire shawl...and do it...again. The shawl is, indeed beautiful...but not what I wanted. The pattern took my breath away...so it's just gotta be done right. My usual M.O. is ..."Meh...it'll do." But I'm trying to get out of that and make what >I< want...and do it right. YOU, my dear lady...have just helped me immensely! Again, thank you for seeing the need and filling it. ...by the way, count me as a New Subscriber! Love and blessings to you, M'am.
Edit: the pattern of which I'm speaking is "Wings for Nightbird" and it is on Ravelry as a free pattern.
You can do it! If you do all this work you will appreciate the end product all the more. Welcome to the channel!
As always, truly excellent video! Question: when substituting the yarn, should I use the recommended knitting needle size in the pattern or the suggested knitting needle size for the yarn I am substituting? Before I can knit the gauge swatch, I need to know which needle size I should use, to achieve gauge. Therefore, if I am going from worsted yarn weight (which the pattern calls for) to DK weight, should I use the needle size recommended in the pattern or the recommended sizer the DK weight yarn label suggests? Thank you very much 🤗🧶
I think that this video might help you: ruclips.net/video/6Af5G07iok4/видео.html But the short answer is that you need to use whatever needle size that gets you a fabric that you like. If you are changing the yarn size then you will be changing the gauge.
You think you've seen all the stunning patterns out there, then this comes along!
Aww, thank you!
Well, a light bulb just went off in my head. There are so many patterns for shrugs. I was so fixated on this particular pattern, that I didn't think about looking at other shrug patterns which do use the yarn that I have in mind which is worsted Aaron wool yarn weight 4. So I jumped into Ravelry and started looking. Lo and behold, I found one! It's a bit different from the one I had in mind, but it's just as nice.( I will still do a swatch of course!) So don't worry about replying to my question.☺☺
I'm glad you got it sorted. When faced with either doing all of the math myself and just finding a different pattern I always go for a different pattern LOL.
GOOD step-wise, logical, concise explanation. Thank you.
That is great to hear!
Wow this is incredible. Will this formula work with crochet as well?
I was thinking of using a heavier yarn and larger needles and just knitting a medium when I would normally knit the large. I do this when crocheting slippers and it works. Curious to trying with a grament.
Barbara, thank you so much for explaining this a little more clearly. It was such a help.
I am so glad it was helpful. I was worried I was just making things more confusing.
I have a pattern (cardigan) for #4 worsted and 11mm/8 needles. Love the pattern, just too airy for my liking. I'm assuming I can use this same theory to adjust the needle size as well. Going to give this a try , Thank You so much!!
In theory LOL! Best of luck.
My high school chemistry teacher taught us to figure out fractions by units: sts/in x in = sts, for example. This fractions trick has been one of the most useful things I ever learned! And here we are again. THANK YOU for this video!
Math is everywhere!
Awesome explanation for yarn weight substitution, thank you!
Glad to be of help!
Thank you for your video. I have done substitutions between DK and worsted. I actually like doing the math involved. I'm weird that way.
That's awesome! And DK and Worsted aren't that far apart so it's not too bad.
This is amazing thank you so much for the info. I am new to knitting and I am trying to knit my first sweater but I do not have the yarn that the pattern cost for so I really wanted to know if I can just do a DK Tupe of yarn or find something similar and this really helped out. Thank you so much cannot wait to do my first sweater.
You can do it!
You did an amazing job explaining this and I got it all. Still not gonna do it, but I get it!
LOL! At least you have the knowledge.
Thank you for all of your help! I need a little more help with yarn substitution for a hat that calls for a chunky yarn but I want to use a Lion Wool-Ease, which is a bulky weight yarn. Can you offer some additional advice? Please and thank-you. Janice D.
My only advice for that is to swatch. Bulky and chunky are often used interchangeable and don't have a clear definition of which is which.
You have good timing, cuz I was trying that this week. Lol! So Thanks for the information. Btw I like your blouse, its pretty and that color looks good on you.
Thank you!
1) this was so helpful!
2) loving your Baby Groot figuring!
3) I LOVE your hair! I wish I can get my curly mane to do that
LOL, my hair does mainly what it wants to. Right now, after a year and a half of no cuts, it's a hot mess.
Thank you so much for this, Barbara! Is there any way to figure the change in yardage that a weight change would create? Or best to do the swatch, figure the yardage of the swatch, and multiply it back out for the whole piece? Thanks!!
You got it! It all comes back to math. Some people use geometry to calculate the total surface area of the piece and use the yarn usage from the swatch to math that out. I am not much on geometry so I calculate the number of stitches per gram I get in my swatch and then the number of stitches in the final project, divide the total stitches by stitches per gram to get the total grammage I need for the project. There are many ways to get to the solution.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit you can use a kitchen scale to weigh the grams in the swatch you make. And determine the grams per square inch which with the number of square inches in the knitted project and grams for the project in the original yarn can be used to compute grams needed in the new yarn.
I’m so happy I finally found this video! Once you explained it so clearly it made so much sense. I’m going to try converting a simple sweater pattern from worsted to DK!! 😁 Thanks so much for making this!!
Best of luck!
Thank you. Most yarn substitution-how-to videos only discuss the same yarn weight. A project I'm doing required Sport Yarn but I only have Sock/Fingering Yarn and I'm going insane because that glove is something that's gonna be used for the body so it needs to be accurate😅😄
I just figured maybe I'll judt add 2 more stitches
Modifying a glove is going to be a challenge and I wish you the best of luck!
I get too hot in knitted items that are thick so I prefer to use fingering yarns. I re-figured a cable top from DK / sport weight yarn to fingering. I had to double the number of cable repeats across the top half of the back and fronts. I also changed the needle size down to 1.5 from a US#3 when I got to the cables. This whole process involved a lot of frogging but I am almost done and very happy with the results so far. I should join your facebook page so I can show pictures.
I would love to see your pictures! Sounds like you are a fearless knitter.
Thank you, loved your tutorial 🧶. I’m definitely not up to figuring all this math🤪. I’ll use what is designed for the pattern. But it’s all good information, thank you for explaining it. 💓
Who knows, maybe someday you'll tackle it!
Thank you very much for this video! Easy to follow and straight to the point 🌷👍
I don't know about easy, but I tried LOL
Wonderful video! I understand the math with adjusting gauge. My question, the pattern I want to do calls for 2376yds worsted weight, the yarn I want to use is chunky, which I have 1040yds. Before I do all conversion math for gauge. How can I calculate if I have enough chunky yarn?
Hi Barbara,
Thank you so very very much for this tutorial and education on substituting yarn - something that I always have to do since I can't always buy the same yarn recommended in the pattern. Your video is so helpful and necessary for a good outcome! I instantly "liked", "shared" and "subscribed" (LSS) to your channel.... thank you once again. Looking forward to more videos from you.🥰
You are so welcome!
Dear Barbara, Thank you so much for your work. I have a pattern I love that calls for lace + light fingering held together = fingering. I would like to use the yarn lace + fingering = something similar to DK. I get gauge when I use the needles recommended. However, the fabric is too dense for me, and I prefer the looseness going up. 5 in needle size. Question: Is it possible to just knit a small size with the bigger needles and hope for the best? This a positive ease oversize pattern.
Is it possible? Anything is possible. Are you just hoping for the best, yes. It may or may not work. One good thing about sweaters is that you can frequently try them on as you go and get a good idea if it's working. But it is a "living on the edge" sort of approach.
Super interesting video, even though I'm not so adventurous to try it!
However, I do the reverse for Japanese patterns! :)
I'm larger than the "standard" Japanese lady, so I need to adjust the patterns. Thankfully, they rarely have shaping and it's quite easy to do, but I realized that it's much easier to actually find a yarn that will allow me to knit the same number of stitches as the pattern says, but get a size that fits me. So, say, the pattern would give me a sweater that's 80 cm of bust with 130 stitches, and I need 100 cm of bust, I do the math to find how many stitches per 10 cm I need to knit so that 130 stitches gives me 100 cm. And I find a yarn that fits that swatch - and just follow the pattern as is!
Thank you so much for your explanation on this, Barbara! Now I gotta revive my math skills for the vest project. :(
So much math LOL!
Thank you so much for sharing this video. If I double a lace yarn will it be a fingering weight? And if I have a yarn of acrilic blend with cotton and merino yarn can I make a sweater in it?
i can tell im about to keep this open, stab at it on my own, wish i had stayed with the video and taken your wise advice. i feel it in my bones. be right back
I hope it went well.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit thankyou!! it went (is going) pretty alright since the yarn isn't SUPER different (just one size bigger). I kept your video open for reference just incase and it was super helpful!! thankyou so much
Thank you. Your explanation helped me figure out my conversion. 🙏🏼
Great to hear!
Absolutely brilliant information. Knitted a lovely toque for my daughter in law and it was too big. Of course the yarn she then chose for a new hat had no relation to the pattern. It was a bulky yarn, lovey Lambs Pride from my stash but the pattern is worsted. Because of your instructions I am well on the way to a successful gift. I have subscribed and look forward to learning more from your clear and helpful videos.
Wishing you success and health and safety in the coming year.
🤗 fromCanada.
I'm so glad that I can be helpful!
@@WatchBarbaraKnit you were and continue to be. Thank you Barbara.
Hello I am from Canada as well and I am trying to knit an item for my grandson the pattern calls for a slightly lighter weight yarn than what I want to use and I am wondering how to make the adjustments. Barbra's video was helpful but I am still stuck a bit. I want to make a hat and I am not sure how to make the changes. Janice D.
Hi Janice, I suggest you buy Ann Budd’s book “The Knitters Handy Book of Patterns” it gives you patterns with numerous options.
Look it up. Perhaps it’s in your local library. Cost about $30.00 but an investment. On the front of the book it shows hats, gloves etc. she also has a sweater book of different sizes etc and a sock knitting book. 💛💛
The garment book by Ann B is The Knitters Handy book of Top Down Sweaters.
Thank you, Barbara. That was enlightening.
Yay!
Question: Would needle size stay the same or should that be proportionally cut down?
I’m going to convert from a chunky to a dk. I don’t want to double the yarn because it will affect the print. It’s a child size drop sleeve pullover with no shaping other than the arm decreases and neck shaping and a hood. Wish me luck!
Better you than me! Good Luck!
This suggestion is so so useful! Thank you! I'm using this method with a linen fiber and it works so well!
Excellent! You must love the math.
I've done the math and managed to change a pattern for my new weight.. what I find I am not sure on doing is looking at my stash and not wanting to resort to guessing whether i will have enough... its probably a math/swatch formula.. but I'm a hands on learner and if you have a formula I can run with it. thank you, will look for you on Ravelry too.
Hi! I replied to your message through Ravelry!
Excellent explanation - especially on working a sweater - and all the various dimensions and changes that have to be made.
Thank you! Seems easier to find the closest yarn in my book :-D
Yeah, I'd rather not do the math.
Hi Barbara Can I knit a teddy bear in 100 Peruvian wool and the clothes in a 50 Alpaca and 50 Suri wool the guages are the same but I need more drape on the clothes than the Bear will it work?
Are you using the same size needle the pattern calls for with the lighter weight yarn? I’m going from super bulky to bulky. It’s an Afghan so I’m thinking it’s not tragic but… your explanation was so easy!!
No, that wouldn't work. You have to change the needle size to match the yarn and create the specific fabric that you are looking for.
You are amazing at this subject! mmmm I got a lot of thinking to do…
Thank you! Best of luck with your mathing.
This may be a stupid question, but can i just knit the next size up. For example: if the pattern is for worsted weight and i want to use DK, can i just knit the next size up?
Love your video... I have decided to look for another pattern..... Just found you and will check out your other vids. Thank you so much...
I'm sorry that you can't do what you wanted, but glad I might have saved you some time and heartache.
You are so smart! Enjoyed trying to follow you and take notes!!
Made a simple sweater pattern with 7 balls of 50 gram/109 yds of "DK" yarn, totaling 763 yards
Wanted to make same sweater in "Lace" yarn that was 50 gram/459 yds.
After doing swatch with the Lace, I found using 5 strands together of lace equaled the 2 strands of DK
But I bought way too much lace. (8 skeins)
I did some math, but I'm not sure.
763 yds with 2 strands of DK or 381 yds with 1 strand of DK
With 5 strands of Lace, 381 yds x 5 strands = 1,905 yds.
So 1,905 yds. divided by 459 yds = 4.15 skeins. or 5 skeins
Does this sound right?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I'm afraid you lost me with the math ... it's not really my strong suit LOL.
Thank you! How would I substitute different weight yarns for a crocheting pattern? I have a crochet cardigan pattern that calls for a 5 weight. I want to use a 4 weight. Thank you in advance.
I am afraid that I do not crochet so I cannot give you an educated response to this question. My guess would be that the process would be very similar with knitting a gauge swatch and doing the math.
Thanks for the video! I have been wondering how to do this! Great job explaining it!
I'm glad you found it useful!
Excellent explanation. My question is slightly different. Let's suppose I need 1300 yards of fingering weight for a shawl but plan on using a sport weight yarn. How do I determine how many yards of yarn I need??
I'm afraid that answer is just as complicated LOL. It is entirely based on the gauge you get with your new yarn and needle. Really, the process is very similar as in this video. I have typed and deleted instructions three times now. It really is too complicated to explain in comments but it would involve lots of swatching, weighing of yarn, and math.
Thank you for taking the time to respond. I was always in advanced placement in math through all of my schooling, never realizing how much I would need to use if for knitting!!! Of course, I was hoping for an easy answer, but that is OK--I get it. Thank you again.
Explained very well. A lightblub went off for me!! Love your videos! 💓 Do you have any idea if I use thiner or thicker yarn how I can estimate the amount of yardage I would need? 💓 Thanks,,,,Vicki
Yay for light bulb! Yarn estimation is a whole other video LOL.
Excellent thanks Barbara
Thank you so much! I was able to use your video to adjust my gauge for a sweater I’ve been wanting to make! The pattern I’m using is decreasing stitches when making the collar so I’m wondering how would I calculate the number of stitches to knit/decrease for the collar with a new yarn weight?
I'm afraid you are getting into the realm of redesigning and it is beyond my ability to help. I don't design garments and anything I suggested would be my best guess LOL.
Thank you. Gives a good basic explanation
Glad it was helpful!
Thank You So much for this info. It's really helpful!!! Love you tutorials and videos!
You are so welcome!
What if I use a higher mm needle with three strands of fingering yarn
(3ply) like no.7 to get equal to the no 9 (13mm) needle for the chunky yarn 'throw' pattern. Of course I would do the swatch given: 15 stitches and 14 rows per 4" square? Do you think it might work?. Please respond ASAP.
ruclips.net/video/Tc8igd30iN8/видео.html
Very good video. True, a bit complicated but worth it, if you’re game! And I never knew 2 strands of fingering is DK weight! Go figure! Where have I been for the past 5 years I’ve been knitting? Thank you for this. 😊
I'm so glad you got something from the video!
I get adjusting the pattern especially if clothing. Can you also change needle size instead of add changing stitches?? Worsted to thick, would you go to a bigger Needle and the afghan would just be a little bigger..
Can you? Yes. Will you have a predictable result? Probably not. If you use the weight yarn that the pattern calls for and simply increase the needle size you will change the nature of the fabric and it might not be what you were looking for. Something like an afghan that you want to be warm would morph into something that was more holey and lacy. It would also change your yarn consumption so the yardage listed on the pattern would be useless.
Very good, clear, and logical explanation. I was especially interested in the comparison of yarn weights, i.e., fingering doubled equals DK.
I am making a classic (simple) cardigan in a wonderful, hand-painted Canadian fingering yarn. The only suitable pattern I could find is in sport weight yarn. I can do this process you described (carefully), but -- a customer service rep at Purl Soho told me I could simply use a larger size pattern (I am small). Is there any possibility it could be this simple?
I'm afraid I would need a bit more info. Did they tell you to simply knit the pattern with fingering weight yarn using a needle appropriate to the fingering weight, or using the needle called for in the pattern? If you knit fingering to a sport gauge it is going to be very open and might look lacy. If you adjust the needle size to get a cardigan density fabric in fingering, then your gauge will be substantially different. Is it possible to simply knit the next size up and have it fit? Yes it is possible. Can I predict if it will work? No, I cannot. Is that a common piece of advice given to knitters? Yep, sure is! Does it work sometimes? It totally works sometimes. Are there knitters who tried it and ended up knitting a whole sweater that doesn't fit them? Yep, that happens too.
What you can do is create your gauge swatch with your fingering weight yarn and figure out your stitches per inch. Then take look at the information for the next size up and see what the stitch counts are in important areas like the bust and such. Take your gauge and do the math based on the number of stitches/rows in the pattern and then see what the new measurements would be. That should give you an idea if it will work.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit To be honest, I was not that confident in the advice I got because I don't think the person who passed it on was that knowledgable. But he got it from one of the experienced knitters there. I was planning to knit a gauge swatch (which I never ever do), and I'm okay with the knit being more open than sport yarn on size 5, although I'm planning to probably use size 3 (my favorite size!) but also produces a very nice fabric with fingering yarn.
I mean, fingering yarn isn't going to produce a heavy sweater. I know it will be lighter and probably drapey as well. I got the idea while winding the yarn, which I bought with no particular purpose in mind. While I was winding I could see the sweater taking shape in my mind's eye, and I'm convinced it will be lovely. And btw, isn't winding yarn into balls a great way to get to know it?
So, I figure if I knit one front piece first, measuring as I go, that should give me a pretty good idea if it's going to work out before I just jump in over my head and knit the whole thing.
Thank you for your very thoughtful answer.
Great informative video. Is the process easier if I want to use only one strand of yarn instead of holding 2 together. I can't do a gauge swatch as I don't yet have the yarn. Is it as simple as two lighter weight yarns equals one heavier weight yarn?
I watched your other videos on yarn weight, think I am getting closer to understanding.
In theory two lighter weight yarns can equal a heavier weight, but the only way to know for sure with your particular yarns is to swatch.
That's my goal!
Hi Barbara
I wanted to get your take on something since you are an experienced knitter. I love the look and drape of knit sweaters that are knitted in fingering or sport weight yarns, however some of the sweater patterns I want to try out uses DK weight yarn. I wear a size 'small', if I knit a size 'medium' in fingering weight yarn would the sweater become smaller (closer to a size 'small'), or would the shaping of the sweater become distorted and unwearable?
I know this is a bit of a weird question but I would love your opinion on it.
Sooo, this video pretty much contains my opinion on that. Your gauge will be completely different and it might throw all of the measurements off in wonky ways. Or it might work. Who knows? I personally wouldn't invest the time in knitting a sweater on the off chance it might fit.
Thank you Barbara , it's very helpful
Wonderful!
Hi can you help me with this case I need to knit a stockinette stitch for a beanie that I have light/ DK weight yarn and 4mm needles and the pattern call for worsted weight yarn and 5.5mm needles not sure how many stitches should I cast on hope you can help thank you Gloria
All of the assistance I can provide is in this video. It depends entirely on your personal gauge. Your best bet would be to find a pattern designed for your yarn weight.
Would using a heavier yarn but following pattern exactly result in a larger finished size? Thinking specifically about baby sweaters... if pattern calls for fingering for 3 -6 mo size, but you use worsted and make no pattern modifications - would you just end up with a larger sized sweater? Or will the proportions be off? TIA!
So the answer to that question is a solid Maybe? It would definitely make a bigger garment (you'd have to go up in needle size as well). The problem is that grading doesn't really work that way. You don't want every aspect of the garment to change equally. The difference between the sizes of the circumference of the chest might be 2 inches but the neck doesn't grow at the same rate. Sleeves might get longer with each size but the depth of the armscye isn't going to grow as fast or else you'd have the armpit starting at the waist. So I'm not going to say yes and have you do it and it not work and you be cranky at me LOL. But it might work?
MATH: Lol I suffer with dyscalculia. So I just wing it. A hat will fit someone along the line.
Love you & your channel. You have some good content and you are not stuck up or stuffy like some on here.
Take Care x
Winging it is a totally viable approach LOL. I'm glad you like my videos!
This was so incredibly helpful! Thank you so much!!
Glad it was helpful!
So glad I found your site today. Have been spending a lot of retirement time trying to figure this out. I had found you once before - now I am subscribed! Your channel will help me save a LOT of time from now on and I can do more knitting than researching on my own. Yippee!
You are so awesome! Thank you for this!
You are so welcome!